Meet Zai . | Fine art photographer & Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zai . and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zai, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that elevation requires taking risks. It doesn’t have to be a monumental leap—elevation can simply mean stepping beyond where you currently stand. For me, one of the most significant risks I’ve ever taken was leaving behind my life as a collegiate athlete and dropping out of school to pursue my passion for cinematography.

At the time, my identity was deeply tied to being an athlete. Everyone in my circle only saw me through that lens. While I had always harbored a love for art, it was something I explored quietly, away from the expectations of others who had labeled me as one-dimensional. Deciding to step away from the life I knew—and the one others expected me to lead—was daunting, but I knew I couldn’t ignore the creative pull any longer.

Since becoming a full-time artist, I’ve embraced the importance of meeting people where they are to build authentic relationships that often evolve into collaborative opportunities. Before moving to Los Angeles, I worked as a full-time cinematographer for a production company in North Carolina. Despite the demands of my job, I carved out time to nurture my creativity. Every couple of weeks, I’d catch a flight to New York to immerse myself in street photography. Sometimes, I’d stay a few days longer than planned, even if it meant skipping work, because those moments of exploration were vital to my growth as an artist.

These risks—leaving behind stability, defying expectations, and stepping into the unknown—have defined my journey. Each one has been a reminder that elevating isn’t about taking the easiest path; it’s about choosing the one that aligns with your purpose, no matter how uncertain it may seem.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a nomadic storyteller, I strive to capture life’s most raw and compelling narratives, focusing on resilience, representation, and the depth of human experience. My background as a collegiate athlete allows me to connect with athletes on a personal level, understanding their discipline, ambition, and vulnerability in ways that resonate in my work. However, my lens extends far beyond the world of sports, seeking to elevate underrepresented voices and explore stories rooted in culture, identity, and community.

At the heart of my artistry is my personal project, *Black Boy Fly*, a lifelong exploration of following one’s inner child while battling grief in its many forms. The project is deeply personal, inspired by my refusal to become a product of my environment in Dallas, Texas—a place where most young men didn’t make it past the age of 18. Those who did were often entangled in gang-related activities, creating broken homes, or serving time in prison. *Black Boy Fly* is my declaration of defiance against those odds and a testament to the power of purpose and perseverance.

Traveling full-time with a camera is my way of living in alignment with my divine purpose, allowing my inner child to live a life he would be proud of. Through a documentary and cinematic approach, my work balances monumental moments with quiet, intimate expressions, creating visual narratives that are timeless and deeply evocative. The use of monochrome adds texture and emotion, drawing viewers into the intricacies of each subject’s story.

Ultimately, my art is a celebration of humanity in its many forms, an invitation to see the beauty in resilience, and a testament to the power of dreaming beyond one’s circumstances. *Black Boy Fly* is more than a project; it’s a journey of healing, representation, and inspiring others to embrace their own inner child while rewriting the narratives they were handed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I’m currently based in LA, I don’t venture out as much as I’d like to due to my travel schedule. Since moving here, I’ve slowly built a list of go-to spots and tend to stick to them. Every now and then, I have moments where I explore beyond my usual haunts, but it’s a rare occurrence.

If my mom were to visit, I’d take her to all of my hidden gems—places that feel like little pockets of comfort and discovery. Spots like Naturewell and Bodega Park in Silver Lake, Pigeon Crane in Downtown, Ora Cafe in Inglewood, Lonely Oyster in Echo Park, Zooies in Culver City, Iki Ramen in Mid-Wilshire, and Highly Likely in West Adams are at the top of my list.

Hopefully, LA locals won’t come for me over this lineup, but these are the places that make the city feel like home to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to three incredible men who have not only guided me through this industry but have also helped shape me as a man: Rob Arnold, John Simmons, and Jordan Edwards.

Rob Arnold – has been nothing short of the older brother I never had. We first met at a mutual friend’s wedding in North Carolina and instantly hit it off. Later, when I expressed an interest in moving to Los Angeles for potential collaborations, Rob took me under his wing without hesitation. He introduced me to an array of professionals I admired—many of whom, like me, were Black creatives—including the person who would become my mentor, John Simmons.

John Simmons – came into my life through Rob, and our first meeting was at the movies. Rob hyped me up, calling me a badass photographer. John turned to me and asked, “Are you a bad photographer?” Without missing a beat, I replied, “I just point and shoot, then let God take care of the rest.” That quick exchange led to John inviting me to his studio, which became the foundation of our relationship. Within the first month, I was at John’s studio four times a week, printing photos for a gallery show in North Carolina. John has been a pillar of representation in my life, and being part of his circle has profoundly shaped my growth as an artist.

Jordan Edwards – is my brother from another mother. We met in North Carolina in 2020 when he stopped by the production company I was working for to offer his time and learn. When I heard about it, I invited him to a location scout. That day, we ended up talking for eight hours straight, covering everything under the sun. From that point on, I kept him close, inviting him to every project possible. Before long, we were traveling together for work for three years straight. During those road trips, we talked about everything—our inspirations, weaknesses, goals, personal challenges, women, and what it means to be a man.

Barry Jenkins once said in an interview for his film *Mufasa,* “Grow with people horizontally. If you’re on level 2 together, grow to level 6 together.” Jordan has been that person for me. Five years later, we’re still at it, now spearheading larger-scale projects in Los Angeles.

These three men—Rob, John, and Jordan—have been instrumental in my journey, both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance, support, and brotherhood.

Website: https://Zaitoldme.com

Instagram: zaitoldme